Question

Suction wash is used for the following fabrics

• A. Polyester shirts
• B. Woolen blankets
• C. Denim pants
• D. Cotton bed covers

Hint:

• Suction washing A gentle laundering method where wash liquor is drawn through the fabric using suction, minimizing mechanical agitation.
• Suitable for delicate items prone to damage from conventional washing (e.g., felting, distortion, stretching).
• Woolen items}, especially bulky ones like blankets, are good candidates for suction washing because wool is sensitive to agitation and can felt.
• Polyester, denim, and standard cotton items are generally robust enough for regular machine washing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Suction washing is a gentle laundering method that involves forcing water or wash liquor through the fabric using suction, rather than vigorous mechanical agitation (like tumbling or using an agitator). This method is suitable for delicate items that could be damaged by conventional machine washing. Let's consider the fabric types:

• (a) Polyester shirts: Polyester is generally a robust fiber and can withstand normal machine washing (tumble wash). Suction wash is not typically required.
• (b) Woolen blankets: Wool fibers are sensitive to heat, agitation, and rapid changes in temperature, which can cause felting (irreversible matting and shrinkage). Woolen items, especially bulky ones like blankets, require gentle washing. Suction washing can provide a gentle cleaning action by drawing water/detergent solution through the blanket without excessive mechanical stress, minimizing the risk of felting and distortion. This makes it a suitable method for delicate woolen items.
• (c) Denim pants: Denim is a rugged cotton fabric that can withstand vigorous machine washing. Suction wash is not necessary.
• (d) Cotton bed covers: Cotton is generally durable and can be machine washed. While some delicate cottons might benefit from gentle washing, standard cotton bed covers don't usually require suction washing.

The primary advantage of suction washing is its gentle action. This makes it particularly suitable for delicate items that are prone to damage, shrinkage, or felting with conventional washing methods. Woolen blankets fit this description well, as wool is sensitive to agitation and can felt. Suction washing would clean them gently. \[ \boxed{\text{Woolen blankets}} \]